SICA

We’ve had 12 fantastic photos submitted by SICA members and now its time to vote for the winners. Please head to https://www.southislandclimbers.ca/photo-contest-2020 to cast your vote! (Voting closes Dec 31) Thanks to those who submitted photos: @miko__photo @maclellankris @aidannickel Laska Pare @beneficialactions @Sevendepths @kevinehman @Moo4fun @tjwatt @tjwattphotography @Sebnotserp @nks35 @bread.clazen and @nicholas_rae

Hello SICA members! We’ve got our second newsletter out, with details of our budget to date, the first recipient of our bolt fund, and some updates as to what we’re up to and most importantly for those who haven’t yet signed up yet, details of a member draw for January 2021. We’ll be raffling off two 3 months passes one to BoulderHouse and another to CragX as well as some other prizes we have kicking around. Become a member to be eligible! https://www.southislandclimbers.ca/s/SICA-Newsletter-Winter

We're holding a photo contest for members! First prize is An Arbor Market Pack 15L, with second place getting a Black Hole Tote bag 25L, both generously donated by @patagoniavictoria . The photo must be of a rad outdoor adventure (aka climbing) in the South Island area (Duncan and south to Vic, west to Renfew). You’ve also got to be a member in good standing by the time the winner is chosen. Only one photo per member please (if you choose to submit more photos, the board w...ill choose which photo is voted upon). Entry closes midnight on December 19thand voting runs December 21 until 31. We will announce a winner on our website, insta and Facebook in January. Enter at https://www.southislandclimbers.ca/photo-contest-2020

Although we can’t all be together in person to watch like past years, we can at least share in some cool climbing movies. Reel Rock 15 is on this weekend (December 11-14 only), who's gonna join us (from afar) in checking it out??

The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour has gone virtual in 2020, and you don’t want to miss it!! Epic journeys, monumental adventures, scenic locations, cultural exploration, personal stories, overcoming obstacles, passion and determination, fear and exhilaration, leading, exploring, climbing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, mountains, rivers, valleys, deserts and so much more to see!! The Alpine Club of Canada - Vancouver Island Section has been identified as an affi...liate host of the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour. As an affiliate, when film programs are purchased to view through their affiliate link, the club has an opportunity to raise funds for their programs and initiatives - - including mountain education, leadership recognition, mentoring youth and supporting families, community building and social events for our members. Supporting the ACCVI might indirectly support SICA too - ACCVI regularly donates to charities and causes on Vancouver island and is a partner in ensuring the future of climbing on Vancouver Island. Please share this affiliate link with friends who would be interested in these films!!! When: Starting November 26, 2020 Where: It’s virtual! Watch a selection of videos in the comfort of your own home. How to buy: Through Vimeo. Use this ACC-VI unique affiliate link: https://filmfest.banffcentre.ca/?campaign=WT-151882 Cost: Single program is US$ 15, and a bundle of 2 programs is US$ 28. Viewing: Streaming; single program available 3 days; bundle 14 days; re-watch as much as you want. Further Details: See Google doc at: https://docs.google.com/.../1UseXKP4esNrFWcoMIkcj.../edit... Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival world tour website: https://www.banffcentre.ca/banffmountainfestival/tour Further questions to ACCVI: [email protected]

Some of you may have started receiving membership renewal emails! If you were a keener and tried to renew but couldn’t, don’t fret - the website was just updated so you can log in and renew there! www.southislandclimbers.ca

Parking update for Duncan Boulders!

SICA is aware of recent conversations involving route development in the South Island and has been in contact with involved parties behind the scenes. We are appreciative of the hard work of our South Island route developers, who make it possible to climb the routes we love. We also appreciate the members of our climbing communities who ensure that our many routes are safe for all. Climbing has a long history of self-policing routes as they are established, and we are happy t...o see this continue in the South Island. SICA will continue to support safe and responsible route development and the community's proactive response to potentially unsafe situations. If you are interested in development and would like to get involved, we can help put you in touch with experienced members of our South Island community who would be happy to serve as mentors.

Hey everyone, we have an access update to share with the community regarding the Millstream Boulders. We have been contacted by the landowner for this area and it appears they were not consulted prior to its development. They have very respectfully asked that we no longer access the Millstream Boulders. SICA is in the process of responding to see if there is a way to move forward but in the meantime we ask that the community respects their wishes as these boulders do fall und...er private property. As the sport we love grows both in popularity and scale it's important that we as a community work with the public in a fashion that reflects not only our passion for climbing but stewardship and inclusivity as well. This requires work from all of us to educate ourselves a number of ways. In the case of access just ask yourself "do I have permission to be here", "is this an established climbing area?", "have landowners given their permission for climbing to happen here" before you head out. In the meantime check out Aidan Nickel's amazing online bouldering guide to find one of the other amazing bouldering areas Victoria has to offer. https://m.facebook.com/groups/78562541685?view=permalink&id=10156029452811686&refid=52&__tn__=%2As-R Be safe and be sendy. SICA

We at SICA realize our privilege in living and climbing on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, Pacheedaht, Lake Cowichan, Cowichan, Malahat, T’Sou-ke, Scia’new, Esquimalt, Songhees, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Pauquachin, and Tseycum First Nations. We also recognize our privileges in access to the outdoors and believe that our mission to promote sustainable and responsible climbing includes promoting it for all. - Reposted from @pattiegonia WHITENESS IN THE OU...TDOORS. I’ve had this idea in my head for a while now and the recent events in the news, specifically the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man hunted down by two white men on a jog led me to spend the past few days listening and learning from people of color, specifically African Americans in the outdoors. . This post is my attempt as an imperfect white person with privilege to take action and encourage other white people to do the same because there’s no outdoors for all when racism exists. As a white person, I can’t speak to the unique experiences of marginalized groups surrounding race, so this is my attempt to amplify the voices of POC in the outdoors. . Thank you for reading. I’m always seeking to improve my skill of allyship as I’m not an expert in this and I am open to constructive feedback. . SHARE- Feel free to share, but if you do, please tag the people of color you see mentioned on each page as this is information compiled by me but told by them. . SAVE- Please don’t just read this once and move on but save this as a resource to come back to and reread. . CHALLENGE- read and then reread and then comment a friend, an outdoor leader, sponsored athlete or brand you think would benefit from seeing this too. . Credit to @alisonmdesir @_lassosafroworld, @teresabaker11, @she_colorsnature, @courtneyahndesign, @katieboue @naturechola, @vasu_sojitra, @skynoire, @ava, @chescaleigh @guantesolo and ellen tozolo See more

Want to learn more than you'll ever need to know about COVID-19 and climbing? https://vimeo.com/418690906

As the climbing community eases back into climbing, remember the fact that ticks are an ever present danger! Do you use bug spray? How to you practice tick-bite avoidance? How well versed are you in tick removal methods?

This is the mandatory fun post, as we all wait until May 14th which definitely won't be a rain day

Hello Climbers! SICA would like to offer some thoughts regarding outdoor climbing during the COVID-19 situation as we enter Phase 2 of the Province’s COVID management on May 14th. First off, we want to recognize how well the climbing community has reduced their climbing activities in the effort to reduce the spread of COVID. The South Island in particular has succeeded in containing general infection rates.... That said, and with weather improving and evolving direction from the Premier and Provincial Health Officer toward a slight expansion of social contact, we have some updated suggestions for ‘COVID-aware’ climbing. Please note: SICA is not stating climbing is "open season" - but if you feel you feel you can manage risk to you and your community, we ask you keep in mind the following guidelines: 1. Climb local If you’re from the Island, consider climbing only on the Island it cannot be stressed enough that the primary vector of COVID-19 is through individuals who travel, particularly those who travel often and widely. Per the guidance of the Province, please stay local closer to home the better. 2. Consider a ‘one partner season’ Choosing to climb with only one partner for the season - preferably one from your own household helps manage the size of your social circle. Climbing in groups is still a bad idea! Carefully consider how to social distance while at the crag, isolate or even sanitize gear where possible. 3. Do not push yourself Consider taking it easy. A broken leg or compacted spine can require hours of dedicated medical attention. Let’s not put further burden on our already busy emergency workers. 4. Climb less often Let’s try to keep traffic levels on handholds down. The easiest way to stop COVID spreading from surface to person is to minimize the amount of people in contact with it. Consider also exploring a local crag you have not been before, particularly ones off the beaten path. 5. Clean your hands and practice good hygiene While cleaning your hands at the crag is, at times, futile, try keeping your hands away from your face, consider belay gloves while belaying, and keep a rare bottle of hand sanitizer at the ready. And maybe leave that crag burrito at home. Finally, while we offer the above to be considered as part of being a responsible climber, and a conscientious member of a wider community, they are in no way to be considered directives for your conduct. Everyone reading this is strongly encouraged to listen and follow the guidance put forward by provincial/local and federal health authorities, as it is their directives to which we all must adhere.

We've had a few questions from the SICA members asking about updated climbing guidelines now that we're moving towards "Phase 2" - Keep an eye on this page, we'll have some updates soon!

A good reminder from the American Mountain Guides Association Tech Tuesday post

With the long weekend approaching, lots of free time, and good weather on the charts, we would like to remind you to follow the recommendations issued by local, provincial and federal governments. Health authorities have stressed the importance of continuing to practice social distancing of two meters to reduce those infected by Covid-19. We understand that spring is here and sending temperatures are at their best. However, please consider that a climbing accident would add ...needless stress on the medical system, contamination on rock surfaces could accelerate the spread of the virus, and parking your vehicle in a full lot means large groups of people. If you have the itch to climb, we have an option for you. Scrubbing old crags offers up the chance to be outside, on the rock. Please rappel into the crags and wear gloves whenever possible. You can use a 6 foot pole when cleaning bouldering routes. There are many crags in the southern Vancouver Island that needs some love. The sooner we all do what in necessary, the quicker we will all get back to our regular lives - which includes climbing. Thank you and stay safe over the long weekend!

Hi SICAzens! Our buddy @bobmalecki shared his newly minted home boulder wall and we’re jealous as heck! We’d love to see how you all are continuing to train from home - let’s share the stoke and motivation!

SICA is urging Victoria climbers to STOP CLIMBING and to stay clear of our crags during this period of self-isolation. We understand wanting to get out to climb and we’re also frustrated we can't. Climbing risks additional strain on our health services through spread of COVID-19 and/or injury. COVID-19 can survive on surfaces such as anchors, bolts, and potentially hand-holds for extended periods of time. Every injury will results in fewer medical professionals available to t...reat COVID patients. We are not asking everyone to stay inside. Enjoy a 2m+ hike or a beer in the backyard. Please, don’t climb until life settles down to normal!

Our current world is shifting in unforeseen ways and we all need to work together (from a distance) to protect one another and stay strong as a community. We urge everyone to make any decisions thoughtfully taking into account current recommendations from BC Public Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry. Stay local, explore outdoors, and above all be safe and be well. https://rockandice.com//the-power-of-close-to-home-nature/... https://gripped.com//climbers-should-avoid-travel-and-inj/ For some off-the-rock training ideas: https://www.facebook.com/307968709269941/posts/2948571071876345/?d=n https://www.trainingbeta.com/climbing-training-during-covi/ https://gripped.com//stay-at-home-climbing-training-routi/ Please share your favourite social-distance / isolation climbing training.

Hi all - happy Friday the 13th. We are sorry to announce that we have decided to postpone our AGM on March 28 at BoulderHouse due to the latest COVID-19 public health announcements. We will announce a new date once things have calmed down.... For those of you SICcurious folks who had yet to sign up as SICAzens to attend the AGM, you have bought some time to ask us any outstanding questions. We will announce the new date with enough time for last minute joiners before the two-week notice cut-off date for the members-only event. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support of the work being done by SICA to support climbing on southern Vancouver Island. Katy Winship - SICA Vice President

Hello SICAzens and those who are SICA-curious, Our first AGM now has an official date! March 28, 2020, to be exact. We’ve already got some incredible door prizes from our generous sponsors (more info on that later), a swell DJ, and lots of fun is promised. Of course the main event is to elect the board for 2020/2021, and report on our activities up to this point. Please be aware that this is a SICA MEMBERS ONLY event, and we will not be accepting memberships at the door. Th...e new membership cut off will be two weeks before the date of AGM: March 14, 2020 (to ensure we are following our by-laws and providing two weeks notice to all members). If you still wish to join up, you can do so via our website, or at three of our member sign-up dates coming up at gyms to be announced soon. For the rest of you who are members, expect a formal invitation to the AGM in the coming week. Cheers! Patrick, SICA Secretary

Thanks to all those who came out to multipitcher - and if you missed it last night, fret not! We'll be holding them every months, likely next in April. Cheers to Walter Moar for putting it all together!

Didn't make it to the Fun-Gm? Well, we will be having member sign up days at BoulderHouse Climbing and Crag X Climbing Gym This is a great time to meet SICA but also win some raffle prizes from Valhalla Pure Victoria Downtown! We will announce dates soon!

Thanks all for coming out! The energy and enthusiasm was incredible, and we feel so happy that what we're doing has the support of the community. It may have even been worth the snowy walk home.

Remember to bring your own mug for tonights Fun-GM!! Starts at 630pm at CragX Climbing Gym!! See you all there!

Remember to come out tomorrow for our FunGm at Crag X Climbing gym at 6:30pm! We have awesome prizes from Arcteryx Victoria and Valhalla Pure Outfitters! We have Phil Stone coming out to talk about Quadra Island and the development he's been doing! ... Remember to BYOM (Bring your own mug) for tasty Cider from Merridale, Beer from Driftwood and Kombucha!

Bring in the new year with SICAs FunGM! Come out for the night to have a drink with us and get to know who we are!!! Cider, Beer and Kombucha will be available!

The South Island Climber's Association (SICA) was established in the Spring of 2019 to act as a unified voice for climbers in the South Island area - extending south from Duncan and west to Port Renfrew. SICA seeks to preserve and sustain the natural ecosystem and ensure access to recreational climbing. We promote quality route, boulder, and crag development and maintenance, encourage dialogue between relevant stakeholders, and protect indigenous cultural assets for future ge...nerations. We acknowledge the ancestral, traditional territories upon which we climb: the Coast Salish Peoples, Pacheedaht, Lake Cowichan, Cowichan, Malahat, T’Sou-ke, Scia’new, Esquimalt, Songhees, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Pauquachin, and Tseycum First Nations. https://www.southislandclimbers.ca/